Bengaluru: State notifies new khata rules for regulation of properties under GBG Act

The Karnataka government has issued a significant order streamlining property documentation in Bengaluru under the upcoming Greater Bengaluru Governance (GBG) Act. The directive approves fresh regulations for issuing A- and B-Khata certificates under the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) jurisdiction, with sweeping changes aimed at tightening compliance and bringing more properties into the formal tax net.

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A major reform outlined in the order is that B-Khata certificates will no longer be issued for any property constructed after September 30, 2024. Once the GBG Act is formally implemented and BBMP is dissolved, all new properties will either need to meet the criteria for A-Khata or be considered illegal. The move is expected to bring nearly six lakh properties into the official property tax framework of the new Greater Bengaluru Authority.

The order also grants power to authorities under Section 212 of the GBG Act to classify private roads connected to vacant plots as public roads for planning purposes. Additionally, agricultural lands marked under Revenue Survey Numbers that fall under the city's Revised Master Plan (RMP) can now be converted for urban use without needing explicit approval from the Deputy Commissioner, though a conversion fee must still be paid.

After necessary approvals under Sections 15 and 17 of the Karnataka Town and Country Planning (KCTP) Act, these lands can be developed, and A-Khata certificates issued accordingly. Even plots and buildings currently holding B-Khata must now comply with these new rules; if there are zoning or planning violations, further construction will be disallowed.

Notably, buildings already constructed on unapproved layouts, but not in violation of zoning laws, may be eligible for A-Khata if they are not multi-unit structures. Multi-unit flats built before September 30, 2024, may still receive B-Khata if they have BESCOM approval.

The government reiterated that B-Khata does not grant any legal ownership or title rights and such buildings will remain subject to penalties under the GBG Act if found in violation